Elle's Seduction by Abby-Rae Rose Page A

“There’s no other way. It’s now or never. And...well, I just can’t let her go.”
    Darren nodded. “Then let’s do it.”
     
    ***
     
    Darren nodded to the man and strode through the doors of The Den. The warm air and heavy beat of techno music throbbed all around him. He watched Elle as she took in the place, but the strobe lights made it difficult to see clearly.
    She’d stunned him with the outfit she’d chosen; a simple black lace corset with a stage worthy pleated skirt. Dramatic and stunning with the pale skin of her neck exposed and her curls tight in a bun, the kitten had claws and he couldn’t wait to see Maxwell’s reaction.
    For the first time in awhile, he felt a small thrill. This was his place. He and Maxwell had built it from the ground up during college. Both of them, with Zackary, had cut their teeth on the different ways of seduction here even as they built the financial backing to make Z Toyz a reality.
    Now, they were moving into new territory, X Toyz (toys for adults). The new business would be in LA—far from their humble beginnings here. He would be sad to see this go. This was his baby—the center of his world. He lived and breathed this place. For Maxwell though, it was just an investment in his time and energy for a friend with a side benefit.
    But both of them were ready to move on.
    It had been mutually agreeable and Darren was excited to move out to LA and start new—Maybe new. Maybe even a new concept. He hadn’t decided yet. He knew whatever he decided that Maxwell would help him because contrary to common knowledge, Maxwell was the brain of the business and Darren was the money guru. A lifetime of wealth and privilege had at least taught him that. Their partnership was a good match. He’d never, in the decade or so since they’d started the Den, had a reason to doubt Maxwell.
    Regardless, this latest scheme had Darren jumpy. The way Maxwell looked at Elle told him all he needed. The man had it bad and having Darren help seduce the poor woman wasn’t going to help at all.
    Flashing lights jarred him back to reality. Thick smoke from the fog machines swirled around him, nearly swallowing Elle, who looked slightly flushed. Things that were normally second nature failed him as he watched her. He couldn’t do it, couldn’t completely ruin his friend’s chance at real happiness. Somehow, someway, he had to make this right. He just didn’t know how without ruining everything.
    He could at least make her comfortable, she was sweating. Of course that might be from watching the couple closest to them. The woman had lost her top. Yeah, Monica was in fine form tonight. From the wide-eyed stare Elle was giving Monica’s lover tonight, it might be a good thing too. He’d have to invite Monica up to the Salon.
    Gentlemanly manners finally forced him to speak, “Can I get you something to drink?”
    Elle nodded and murmured something about a MahiMahi as Renaldo popped a nipple into his mouth, his dark fingers massaging the other breast.
    Some of Darren’s anxiety eased as he stepped away toward the bar. This could work. Definitely, could work. “Yo, Kevin, a MahiMahi and Whiskey Bourbon.”
    A voice spoke up next to his ear. “It’s not going to work.”
    Darren cursed as Luke’s hard body slid into the seat next to him at the bar. A black tux and silver half-mask hid his gorgeous body, but Darren knew him instantly – Those. Those heavy-lidded, brown eyes stared out at him, instantly making him pop to attention in places he shouldn’t.
    “Can’t a guy get some peace and quiet,” Darren mumbled and Luke waved at Kevin and ordered a Heineken.
    “Oh, you can get some, just not the way you’re playing it tonight.” Luke grabbed the bottle Kevin put in front of him and tilted it up to his uncovered lips.
    Darren snagged the drinks and began looking for Elle. When several seconds went by, Elle didn’t show. He turned to Luke, taking a big swig of his bourbon. “What do you